Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 51 – Report No. 4
January 19 – 23, 2026
Copyright © 2026 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House and Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on Senate roll calls from recent sessions.
During the week of January 19-23, the House met for a total of 46 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 37 minutes.
EXTEND THE TIME TO FILE FOR AN ABATEMENT (S 2900)- Senate 36-1 approved an amendment that would increase from 30 days to 75 days the amount of time a property owner has to file for an abatement if they feel that their home evaluation was too high.
(A Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
FURTHER EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION (S 2900)- Senate 36-1, approved an amendment to a bill that would give cities and towns the option to create tax rebate programs for residents who already benefit from a local residential exemption. This new rebate program would allow cities and towns to set income and asset thresholds, tailoring relief to local residents’ needs.
(A Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
SENIOR PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL (S 2901)- Senate 37-0, approved a bill that would expand eligibility for the Senior Tax Deferral Program by lowering eligibility to qualify for it from the current 10 years to seven years of required state residency.
(A Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
KEEP DARK MONEY OUT OF LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONS (S 2898 – Senate 6-31, rejected an amendment to a bill requiring more frequent public reporting of fundraising and spending by groups supporting or opposing statewide ballot questions.
The amendment would apply the state’s campaign finance election laws to political expenditures of more than $1,000, made by persons, corporations, associations, organizations or other groups of people, to influence the outcome of local ballot questions in cities and towns. The person or group would be required to file disclosure forms and failure to comply would be punishable by a 1-year prison sentence and/or a $1,000 fine.
(A Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – No
For more information and details on each bill, roll call attendance, and other relevant information, please visit the Wakefield Daily Item at www.localheadlinenews.com